Reforming the Rules: A Proposal for Modifying the Model Rules of Professional Conduct to Permit Partnerships Between Lawyers and Nonlawyers in the Practice of Law
The Model Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit partnerships between lawyers and nonlawyers in the practice of law, a ban that purportedly exists to protect lawyers’ professional independence of judgment. Despite this noble sentiment, the prohibition ultimately hurts the legal market, to the expense of potential clients, by limiting the professional options available at the lawyer’s disposal. The existence of lawyer-nonlawyer partnerships, recently espoused by two states, both decreases the costs and barriers involved in obtaining justice and encourages much-needed legal… Read More